A post-mortem examination in Majorca into the death of Stephen Gately has revealed that the 33 year-old singer died from ‘natural causes.’ Gately suffered a pulmonary oedema, an accumulation of fluid on the lungs. The underlying cause was not revealed.
The Boyzone star was found dead on Saturday on the sofa in his apartment in Port Andratx on the island after a night out partying with his partner Andrew Cowles.
There has been speculation the boyband singer, who died after a night on the town on the island, choked on his own vomit. A court official could not say whether the star had been taking any drugs or alcohol and declined to say whether he had vomited before his death. Local police have already said there were no signs of suspicious circumstances. The court official said the pulmonary oedema had been "acute."
Speaking on GMTV earlier today, family lawyer Gerald Kean said that Mr Gately's family were "absolutely happy that there is no foul play". The family are certain no drugs were involved in his death and they do not suspect suicide, he added.
Investigation into the death will continue as a formality with Mr Cowles and one other person declared as official witnesses.
The second witness is thought to be Bulgarian Georgi Dochev, 25, who went back to the apartment with Gately and Cowles after their night out and has described finding the singer's body the next day.
Papers have now been signed to allow the release of thes body but it may be two days before it is returned to Ireland.
"The family's only wish is to get their son and brother home as soon as possible," Mr Kean said.
Andrew Cowles who was informed of the results before the hearing, was comforted by Gately’s devastated Boyzone bandmates before they returned home last night.
